Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm. April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 9, 16, 23 (12 weeks)
$306 Members / $360 non-members + HST
Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:
This is a great class for students with a bit of painting experience interested in discovering more about acrylic painting. Working at their own pace, students will explore the use of acrylic paints, brushes and acrylic mediums while they develop and improve their painting techniques and learn to paint in their own style, whether it be landscape, fantasy or abstract.
Supplies list:
Paint:
Preferred list of colours:
Brushes:
Canvases:
Other materials:
Mondays, 7 - 9 pm. April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 25, June 1, 8. (8 weeks)
$204 Members /$240 non-members + HST
To learn more about Soroush and his work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/dabiri
This oil painting course invites students to explore the depths of their creative expression through a dynamic interplay of form, colour, light, and shadow. Designed for budding artists who wish to connect deeply with the world around them, this course emphasizes the importance of personal interpretation over literal representation. Students will learn to draw inspiration from both natural and handmade objects, using these as a springboard for artistic exploration.
Through a series of guided exercises, students will develop essential skills in observation, composition, and colour harmony. They will engage with various oil painting techniques to enhance their ability to convey mood, emotion, and narrative in their work. This course fosters an environment of experimentation, encouraging students to embrace their unique artistic voices while mastering the fundamentals of oil painting.
Supply List:
Oil Paints: 37ml tubes of Winton Oil Colour:
Titanium White
Ivory Black
Burnt Sienna
Yellow Ochre
Viridian Hue
Permanent green light
Phthalo Blue
French Ultramarine
Cadmium Red Deep Hue
Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue
Paint brushes:
Flat brushes, #1, 4, 8, and 12.
Palette Cup
Medium:
Linseed oil
Turpentine
Canvas or Painting Surface:
Stretched Canvas, 11” x 14”
Canva-Paper; an economical alternative to canvas
Rags or Paper Towels: These are essential for wiping brushes, cleaning up spills, and creating texture in the paint.
Palette Sealable Container: Useful for storing and preserving leftover paint for future use.
Brush Cleaner: A gentle brush cleaner is needed for cleaning brushes after painting.
Sketching Materials: Pencils, charcoal, or other sketching materials are useful for planning and sketching out the composition before applying paint.
Wednesdays, 7-9 pm. May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24 (7 weeks).
$178.50 Members /$210 non-members +HST + $15 materials fee (pattern provided)
To learn more about Katharine and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/bourgon
Learn how to decipher a commercial sewing pattern. Sizing, cutting, pinning, and marking will be covered in this course. Participants will put their new skills to work to make an apron/work smock. MUST HAVE MACHINE SEWING EXPERIENCE.
Fabric will need to be purchased separately by participants AFTER THE FIRST CLASS. Pattern will be provided.
*This is a skill-building course. Please ensure you are available for all dates. Weekly attendance is required to complete each segment of the course. Absence could result in unfinished projects and an inability to participate in the remainder of the course.
Tuesdays, 1-3 pm. May 19, 26, June 2, 9, 16, 23 (6 weeks)
$153 Members /$180 non-members +HST
Watercolour- Beginner
Explore the gratifying process of watercolour in this beginner’s course. Learn to mix colours, use various brush techniques, find out about paper, and through repetition will gain confidence working with this medium. No previous experience is necessary.
Materials List
Winsor Newton Cotman Sketchers Box 12 colours
Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine, Cerulean Blue, Viridian Green, Sap Green, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Chinese White
Watercolor brushes round #12 or #10 and #6, and a flat 3/8" brush are all you will need. Taklon is a good synthetic. Sables are great. All brushes should bounce back to a point or their original shape. Wet them to find out. If they lie flat, not worth the trouble.
A palette (not plastic), ceramic is good, a white dinner plate will work
Paper: pad of cold press Strathmore Watercolour 300 or 400 series or other 140 lb or 300gm hot press wc paper made by Fabriano, Arches, BFK, or Johannot
For clean up and brush control, rags or a sponge are best as a means to control the amount of water in your brush. With a plastic bag for carrying
2 Yogurt containers for water
A fine spray mister (sprayer)
A pencil
Tuesdays, 1 -3 pm. May 19, 26, June 9, 16, 23 (5 weeks)
$127.50 Members /$150 non-members + HST
1 large stretched canvas – 16" x 20” minimum (18" x 24" or similar larger size also suitable)
6 canvas boards – 8" x 10" or 9" x 12"
Student-grade acrylic paints (recommended: Liquitex Basics, Artist’s Loft Level 1, or similar) Suggested colours:
Variety pack including:
1 large flat brush
1 medium flat brush
1–2 round brushes
1 smaller detail brush
Optional: inexpensive wide brush for glazes / collage medium application
Adhesives / Mediums:
Mod Podge (matte recommended; gloss optional)
Matte medium and/or gloss medium for acrylic glazing and collage integration (If budget is limited, Mod Podge + one acrylic medium is enough)
Reusable plastic palette or palette paper pad
Water container (can be repurposed container)
Palette knife
Spray bottle
Charcoal or soft pencil for light sketching
Painter’s tape / masking tape
Clear gesso (optional if you want more advanced surface prep)
Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm. May 19, 26, June 2, 9, 23 (5 weeks).
$127.50 members, $150 non-members + HST
This class aims to explore the beauty of different shapes and sizes of flowers using watercolours. We will paint a different kind of flower in each class and learn how to paint them using the best colour schemes. The class will talk about colour theory, values and various wash techniques both loose and detailed.
Supplies List:
Watercolour paper (140 lb or higher)
A Board to fix the paper on
Masking tape for fixing paper on board
Pencil, Eraser for sketching
Watercolour paint brushes – 1 round brush (medium), 1 round (fine tip), 1 flat brush
Roll of paper towels or cotton rags
Container of water
Palette
Masking Fluid/Frisket
Salt (Table salt/sea salt/rock salt - any salt)
Watercolour paints, colours should include:
A warm red (Cadmium/Pyrrole Red)
A cool red (Alizarin Crimson, opera pink)
A cool yellow (Cadmium Yellow Light/Lemon Yellow)
A warm yellow (Nickel Azo Yellow/Cadmium Yellow Deep)
A warm blue (Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue)
A cool blue (Phthalo Blue)
Payne's Grey/ Neutral tint
White gouache or white watercolours
Tuesdays, 7-9. May 19, 26, June 2, 9, 16, 23 (6 weeks).
$153 Members /$180 non-members + HST + $15 materials fee
Learn the basics of machine-sewing from loading a bobbin to trouble- shooting a jammed machine! Participants will make a customized tote bag and a bonus project (or two) if time allows. No experience is necessary.
Please note: The instructor has a severe allergy to chamomile. It is a common additive to many perfumes and scented products. Please treat this as a scent free class.
Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm. May 19, 26, June 2, 9, 16, 23 (6 weeks)
$153 Members / $180 non-members + HST
Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm. May 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24 (6 weeks).
$153 Members /$180 non-members + HST
Elevate your oil painting skills to new heights in our Intermediate Level Course, where we'll delve into mastering the technique of creating texture through analyzing a source image and the layering process.
In this immersive journey into the world of oil painting, you will explore the intricacies of analyzing source images, establishing a harmonious palette, and mastering the art of layering. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll learn how to transform your visions into stunning works of art, infused with depth, dimension, and vibrant color.
Throughout the course, you'll explore the transformative power of layering, discovering how to apply multiple layers of oil paint to create dynamic compositions that captivate the imagination. From subtle shifts in tone and texture to bold contrasts of light and shadow, you'll learn how to breathe life into your artwork with each carefully crafted layer.
But mastering oil painting isn't just about technique – it's about understanding the nuances of color mixing and composition, and how to use them to convey emotion and narrative in your work. Through a series of hands-on exercises and demonstrations, you'll gain the confidence to experiment with color and form, pushing the boundaries of your creativity with each stroke of the brush.
Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills or a passionate learner eager to take your art to the next level, this course offers something for everyone. Join me and unlock the secrets of oil painting mastery, as you discover the joy of bringing your artistic visions to life on canvas.
Supply List
Thursdays, 1-3 pm. May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 (6 weeks).
$153 Members /$180 non-members + HST + $15 materials
To learn more about Akycha and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/surette
In this 6-week course, learn to make various functional and decorative pottery forms using slab, pinch pot, and sculpting techniques. You will also learn about surface decoration- carving, adding elements, and glazing.
Thursdays 1 - 3 pm. May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 (6 weeks).
Learn how to alter this pyjama pant pattern to fit your unique body measurements! Participants will alter pattern pieces then pin, mark, cut and sew their fabric to create pyjama-style pants. MUST HAVE MACHINE SEWING EXPERIENCE.
Requirements:
All equipment & patterns are supplied
Bring the following measurements in centimeters TO THE FIRST CLASS: Waist, Hips, Outseam (from waist to ankle), Crotch (from back waistband to front waistband)
Fabric will need to be purchased separately by participants AFTER THE FIRST CLASS
This is a skill-building course. Please ensure you are available for all dates. Weekly attendance is required to complete each segment of the course. Absence could result in unfinished projects and an inability to participate in the remainder of the course.
Thursdays, 1 - 3 pm. May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 (6 weeks)
To learn more about Anne and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/williamson
Do you wish you could paint a landscape? Then this course is for you!
A landscape is usually painted from top to bottom and background to foreground. After identifying the background, mid ground and foreground, we will deconstruct a landscape into its various elements (skies, trees and vegetation, water and shorelines) and practice by painting one element each week. You will see your landscape painting evolve, by adding one element at a time.
Each week, you will need to bring:
Thursdays, 7-9 pm. May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 (6 weeks).
Thursdays, 7:00-9:00, May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 (6 weeks)
To learn more about Terry and his work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/torra
This course is designed as a continuation of Drawing Fundamentals I, and is for those who feel they need more experience and time with the part I material before moving on to the intermediate drawing course. The emphasis will be on studio work with review of how to create 3-D space through shading and 1 point perspective and also techniques of seeing.
Material Required:
Fridays, 7-9 pm. May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19 (5 weeks)
$127.50 Members /$150 non-members + HST + $55 material fee (At least 5 projects, often more)
To learn more about Susan and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/clarke
Description: Learn basic jewelry-making and explore a variety of mixed media techniques, while creating 5 or more pieces of jewelry inspired by famous artists. Participants will be encouraged to create their own designs, using the tools and materials provided. All skill levels are welcome.
Fridays 7 - 9 pm. May 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19 (5 weeks)
$127.50 members / $150 non-members + HST
Description: Charcoal is one of the oldest and most expressive drawing mediums, but can be a difficult one to master. In this course, we will introduce you to some different forms of charcoal and other similar mediums, and walk you through some of the ways to use them. Whether you’re a beginner drawer, or just looking to develop your skills with this medium in particular, this is a great class to hone a new form of self-expression.
Supply list:
A drawing pad of charcoal paper (9 x 12 or similar size, with approx. 24 sheets)
Set of black compressed charcoal sticks (approx. 3 sticks)
Set of conte (will likely come with white, black, and at least one brown)
Kneadable eraser (if possible, but a regular eraser is fine)
Saturdays, 10 - 12 pm. May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20 (5 weeks)
$ 127.50 members / $150 non-members + HST
Some materials for sampling will be supplied
Yarn and crochet hook, for individual project, in consultation with the instructor
Saturdays, 10 am - 12 pm. May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20. (5 weeks)
$127.50 for members / $150 non-members + $25 materials
Want to explore Art with a range of media? We have it all in this special class: Wire Sculpture, Embroidery, Monoprinting, Watercolour and Charcoal- try your hand at everything and see what ignites your passion! (image by Harry Kooy).
May 23 - WIRE TREES with Harry Kooy
May 30 - EMBROIDERY with Baz Kanold
JUNE 6 - MONOPRINTING with Anne Williamson
June 13- WATERCOLOUR & INK with Moumita Roychowdhury
June 20 - CHARCOAL with Soroush Dabiri
*Instructors and mediums subject to change
To learn more about these instructors and their work, please visit:
Moumita Roychowdhury: https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/roychowdhury
Baz Kanold: https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/kanold
Mondays, 7 - 9 pm. May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22. (5 weeks)
$127.50 Members /$150 non-members + HST + $50 model fee
To learn more about Baz and their work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/kanold
Alongside learning painting techniques, this course will also go more into how to better capture skin tones and colours through paint. Using a model, increase your skill at representing the human form and find your own unique style!
2 canvas boards (just canvas wrapped board) ~ 11 x 14 or bigger
1 stretched canvas
Paint of choice (acrylic and/or oil) -- at least with black, white, blue, red, and yellow (preferably ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, and cadmium yellow but any will be fine)
If oil, please also bring oil medium of choice (e.g., linseed oil) and gamsol
Set of brushes -- at least 1 small (~half an inch) and 2 larger (1 inch+)
reusable or tear-away palette
Saturdays, 10 am - 12 pm. May 30, June 6, 13, 20 (4 weeks)
$102 Members / $120 Non-Member + HST
An understanding of the fundamentals and principals of perspective is mandatory for artists interested in representational drawing. Perspective drawing deals with how three-dimensional reality appears to the eye and how it is best represented on two dimensional surfaces such as a canvas, sketch pad, or an illustration board. Forms and structures of scenes and objects change their “look” from different viewpoints. During this course students will learn how to observe perspective phenomena and how to represent what they see on a piece of paper.
This course will be offered in 3 parts:
PART 1: A 4 week course in which students will learn and practice one point, two point, and three point perspective with a variety of objects.
2 Graphite Pencils of each: HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B.
Xacto knife #1 Precision Knife
Masking Tape Neutral color
Kneadable Artist eraser
Stadler Mars plastic eraser
1 drawing sketchbook 18” x 24”, suggested: Canson 65 lb
1 drawing sketchbook 11” x 14”, suggested: Canson 65 lb
1 ruler, suggested: wood 30”
Saturdays, 10 am - 12 pm. July 4, 11, 18, 25 (4 weeks)
This course will be offered in three parts:
PART 2: A 4 week course in which students will learn and practice multiple point perspective.
Mondays, 7-9 pm. July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 10, 17 (6 weeks)
$153 Members /$180 non-members + $65 model & materials fee
This 6-week advanced ceramics course includes a life model sketching component followed by figurative and free sculpting components.
Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm. July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11 (6 weeks)
To learn more about Moumita and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/roychowdhury
Step into the summer studio to learn watercolour and inks from the ground up through essential wash techniques, mark making, colour mixing and brushwork. Discover how water and colour interact, and learn to work with—not against—the natural movement of watercolour. This course will be a beginner‑friendly journey into watercolour and inks focusing on fluidity, layering, and expressive mark‑making.
Watercolour paper (at least 140 lb), 9X12 or smaller. Can use a watercolour sketchbook as well.
1 round brush (medium), 1 round brush (small) and 1 Flat brush (1.5 inch)
Watercolour paints to include
A Warm Blue - Ultramarine/Cobalt Blue
A Cool Blue - Pthalo Blue
A Warm Red - Pyrrole/Cadmium Red
A Cool Red - Alizarin Crimson/Opera Pink
A Warm Yellow - Cadmium Yellow/ Nickel Azo Yellow/Indian Yellow
A cool Yellow - Lemon Yellow/ Hansa Yellow
A neutral - Indigo/Payne's Gray
A White gouache or gel pen for highlights
waterproof Micron Pens (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm)
Paper towels
Water containers
Palette for colour mixing
Masking tape (if you are using loose paper, not required for sketchbooks)
Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm. July 8, 15, 22, 29 (4 weeks)
Members $102 / non-members $120 +$ 30 Materials fee + HST
Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm. July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26 (8 weeks)
Members $204 / non-members $240
Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below.
Please note this is a combined level 1 & 2 course. New students are welcome and the basics will be covered. Returning students are welcome to continue progressing with further techniques. There will be a mix of individual and general instruction.
For new students:
In this course students practice the fundamentals of oil painting through a series of exciting and rewarding experiences. The course begins with familiarizing students with the basic materials used in oil painting, such as oil paints, brushes, canvases, palette knives, and palettes. Students learn how to set up a palette, arranging colors logically for easy access during the painting process. Practices start with simple subjects or still life arrangements for beginners. This allows students to focus on foundational skills without the complexity of more intricate subjects. One of the main practices in this course is experimenting the importance of underpainting by sketching and then creating a monochromatic underpainting where students are able to establish values and composition. Preparing the base or underpainting and having knowledge of mediums such as linseed oil or turpentine are essential practices for art students learning oil painting techniques. Following the theory of the complementary colors, students experiment mixing colors on their palettes to understand how different hues can be achieved. Students also practice with a wide-range brushes and techniques to achieve different textures experimenting the variety of brushwork and strokes that can be used in oil painting, from broad strokes to fine details. By Introducing students to famous oil paintings and artists they would encourage to practice on fundamental oil painting techniques, such as blending, layering, glazing, and impasto. At the end of each session students will be asked to conduct regular critiques where they can discuss their work, share insights, and receive constructive feedback, that fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
For returning students:
Alizarin Crimson
Thursdays, 7-9 pm. July 9,16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20 (7 weeks)
$178.5 Members /$210 non-members + HST + $15 materials
In this 6-week course you will learn to make various functional and decorative pottery forms using slab, pinch pot, and sculpting techniques. You will also learn about surface decoration- carving, adding elements, and glazing.
Fridays, 7-9 pm. July 10, 17, 24, August 7, 14, 21 (6 weeks)
Robert's style of instruction is a facilitative approach to art-making with individual support rather than a guided step-by-step directive style. He provides an environment for learning watercolour techniques by combining demonstration, showing relevant sample works, and suggesting choices regarding brushes, techniques etc. Individual support is offered to students during each class so their unique style of creativity can flourish. If you like to learn through the process of observation and experimentation in your art, this is a good class for you. If you prefer guided step-by-step instruction another course will suit your needs better. Please contact us for a recommendation.
Materials List:
Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm. July 11, 18, 25, August 8, 15, 22 (6 weeks)
Members $153 / non-members $180 + HST
In this course, we'll journey into nature's Summer beauty as we explore the techniques and nuances of painting with watercolour. Through regular visits to local parks and nature areas, we'll capture our own source images via camera, and then take them back to the studio for inspiration and reference. Through the practices, you'll learn to harness the transformative power of watercolour as we delve into representing the breathtaking landscapes and scenes that surround us. Through a series of hands-on demonstrations and exercises, you'll master essential watercolour techniques and washes, honing your skills with each brushstroke. This course is about more than just experiencing the medium – it's about developing a keen eye and a deeper understanding of colour, light, and shadow. By observing and capturing the subtle gradations of natural light, you'll enhance your sight skills, laying a strong foundation for your journey as a visual artist. Dig into the world of color observation as we explore the darkness, brightness, warmth, and coolness of diverse tonal values found in the ever-changing light of daylight. Through thoughtful analysis and practice, you'll learn to discern and replicate these tonal variations, refining your ability to capture the essence of your surroundings on paper. Join me on this artistic adventure as we blend creativity with the beauty of the natural world. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist seeking inspiration, this course offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and unleash your creativity.
Supplies:
1- Cotman Watercolour set
2- Mixed head type and sizes watercolour paint brush; Flat, round, and fine
3- Watercolour Paper block. About 8 x 10 inches or any similar sizes
4- Small water container
5- Rag or paper towel
6- Small size drawing board
7- Camera for reference shots (phone is fine!)
Mondays, 7 - 9 pm. Jul. 13, 20, 27, Aug. 10, 17, 24 (6 weeks)
Ever wanted to start learning the joys of embroidery and stitching? Are you already an avid fan but want a place to get more creative? Join instructor Baz for a creative stitching course. This course will take you through some of the basics of embroidery, while introducing small assignments to help get your creative juices flowing. Together, we'll learn about everything from the basic embroidery stitches, all the way to using mixed media in your pieces to expand where embroidery can take you.
Tuesdays, 7 - 9 pm. July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18 (6 weeks)
To learn more about Brie and her work, please visit:
https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/mckenzie
Always loved a good short story? Then why not come and learn how to write one in a friendly and supportive environment? In the course, we will look at the core elements of a short story and cover all aspects of writing one, including how to generate story ideas, develop strong characters and create a plot that will keep your readers glued to the page.
Students are asked to bring their own writing materials, whether electronic or pen and paper.
Thursdays, 7 – 9 pm. July 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20 (6 weeks).
The aims of this course are to strengthen your abilities to identify a theme and develop a small body of work, within a landscape genre. The course will begin with an introduction into landscape photography from the traditional to the contemporary. Participants will then develop their own project, with weekly guidance form the instructor and peer review. Finally, on the last evening, each person will give a short presentation of their images.
Please note, this is not a beginners’ course. An understanding of the basic principles of photography, e.g. exposure and depth of field. Also, knowledge of relevant digital applications and how to achieve them with your particular camera is expected.
Required: You must bring your own digital camera. It’s preferable to have a camera that has a means to have manual control, but not absolutely necessary. However, cell phone camera are definitely not suitable.
Please also bring: Thumb drive, Sketchbook/Journal
Fridays, 7 - 9 pm. Jul. 17, 24, Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28 (6 weeks)
Want a class to try some new drawing materials and learn some new skills in drawing? This drawing sampler course will introduce you to a new material every week, and provide you with some basic skills in each of those mediums. This class is perfect for people of all skill levels, and provides a place to create in community while flexing some new muscles!
A drawing pad (9x12 or similar size, with approx. 24 sheets)
A set of drawing pencils (At least four pencils: HB, 3B, 2H, B – the set should read similar to these, but they don’t need to be exactly that)
Eraser
Pencil sharpener
A set of fine-tip ink markers (1 - 2 black markers of various tip sizes, but you’re welcome to bring more/colourful ones if you’d like!)
Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm. August 5, 12, 19, 26 (4 weeks)
Members $102 / non-members $120 + $35 Materials fee + HST
Beautiful Bugs: Butterflies, Bees, Dragonflies & Ladybugs!
Saturdays, 10 am - 12 pm. August 8, 15, 22, 29 (4 weeks)
PART 3: Students & instructor will meet at various locations around Uptown Waterloo where they will put into practice what they learned during courses 1 & 2.
IVISIT the BUTTON FACTORY ARTS HOMEPAGE
LOCATION: 25 Regina Street South
Waterloo ON N2L1R8
SUMMER HOURS:
Tuesday to Friday 10 to 7
Saturday 10 to 5
Closed Sunday
CONTACT US:
519-886-4577
Membership and rentals:
operations@buttonfactoryarts.ca
Program inquiries:
programs@buttonfactoryarts.ca
